The abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has triggered nationwide protests, condemnation from the National Assembly, and fresh calls for reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture. Demonstrations were held across several states, including Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Benue, Rivers, Adamawa, Anambra, Cross River, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory, as teachers and labour groups demanded the immediate rescue of the victims and stronger protection for schools.
The attack occurred on May 15 when armed men invaded three schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities, abducting pupils and teachers.
The incident has revived memories of the Chibok and Dapchi school kidnappings and heightened concerns about the safety of educational institutions nationwide. Since then, families of the victims have waited anxiously for news of their loved ones.
At the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, the Senate observed a minute’s silence for two teachers and a pupil killed in connection with the attack. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the abduction as an assault on Nigeria’s collective humanity, stressing that children and teachers represent the nation’s future. He mourned mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, who reportedly died in captivity, teacher Adesiyan Adegboye, and a pupil who lost their life during the incident.
The House of Representatives also condemned the attack and urged the Federal Government and security agencies to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren in both Oyo and Borno states. Lawmakers called for the urgent implementation of a national Safe Schools Security Framework and stronger community-based security measures to protect educational institutions. Some lawmakers renewed calls for state police, arguing that decentralised policing would improve local security responses.
Across the country, members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers staged solidarity rallies demanding safer schools and the unconditional release of kidnapped teachers and students. In Lagos, protesters marched to the State House of Assembly, where Speaker Mudashiru Obasa reiterated support for state policing. Similar demonstrations took place in Ogun, Edo, Benue, Adamawa, Niger and Kano states, with teachers carrying placards calling for urgent government action.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde appealed for unity and urged Nigerians not to politicise the tragedy. He assured protesters that security agencies were actively working to rescue the victims and track down the kidnappers. Makinde stressed that insecurity was a national challenge requiring collective support rather than political blame games.
Labour unions warned that further action could follow if authorities fail to secure the release of the abducted victims. The Nigeria Labour Congress and the NUT said insecurity was increasingly threatening education, with teachers and students now operating under fear. Civil society groups also argued that continued attacks on schools could undermine access to education and worsen public confidence in government.
The growing concern over school safety has spread beyond Oyo. In Osun State, rumours of a bandit invasion caused panic among parents and temporarily disrupted activities in some schools before authorities clarified that no attack had occurred. Meanwhile, security stakeholders continue to push for greater investment in policing and intelligence gathering as pressure mounts on the government to prevent further attacks on schools and communities.
